JOPLIN, Mo. - The University of Minnesota Crookston men's cross country team finished 28th of 29 teams at the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Regional at Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin, Mo. The Golden Eagles had their second-best time at a regional, beating their 2021 average of 35:15. Their 2022 average was 33:54, while they finished in 34:48 Saturday, November 4.
The Golden Eagles and the rest of the field were faced with warm, and humid temperatures in Joplin, Mo.Â
Connor Thoennes (So., Coleraine, Minn.) was just 21 seconds of his 2022 regional time, clocking in at 33:48.55 to lead the Golden Eagles in the 10K. Colton Uber (R-Jr., Brunswick, Ohio) finished in 34:20.08. Taylor Johnson (Fr., Lake Park, Minn.) made his regional debut, running a 35:06.65. Riley Hanson (R-Fr., Farmington, Minn.) also made his regional debut, finishing in 35:10.65. Tristan Morneault (R-Jr., Dieppe, New Brunswick) finished in 35:36.59. Zach Hanson (R-Fr., Farmington, Minn.) made his regional debut, posting a time of 35:52.35. Warden Dahlgren (Sr., Edgeley, N.D.) set a personal record with a time of 36:08.74.
East Central University won the regional. Peter Kipkemboi of East Central was the individual champion, clocking in at 29:46.90.
The Golden Eagles had their best season as a program, as they continued to show improvement setting numerous personal records. They have a strong core returning.
